Mold is a fungus that thrives in damp and moist places. While mold typically occurs in nature, it can be a nuisance when it grows indoors. Mold can attach itself to porous and non-porous surfaces and spread to other areas in a matter of time. While most mold species are harmless, some can cause allergies and even trigger existing respiratory conditions, especially that of immunocompromised individuals.
Mold exposure causes symptoms that may seem mild at first, but they can develop to life-threatening medical problems. These dangers inspired the U.S Environmental Protection Agency to create National Mold Awareness Month.
Health Risks of Mold
National Mold Awareness Month is observed every September to raise awareness, inform and educate the public about the adverse health effects of mold exposure and mycotoxins. The most common symptoms of mold exposure include the following:
- Allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough and itchy eyes
- Colds and flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Mold-induced asthma episodes or irritation
- Nausea
- Nose bleeds
- Respiratory issues
- Skin irritation
How to Prepare For Mold Awareness Month
Inspect your home
- Don’t wait for mold growth to escalate into a full-blown problem before you start noticing. This will only increase the risk of sickness and damage to your property.
- Check your house for leaking pipes and damaged plumbing especially in areas with poor ventilation such as the attic, basement, bathroom and garage. Upon recognizing a problem, have it repaired immediately and inspect the area for mold.
- Research about the common types of mold that grow indoors to easily recognize mold growth when you see it. Contact a mold remediation professional to address any mold problem to prevent potential health risks.
Prevent future mold development
- Damp areas, such as basements, bathrooms and crawl spaces, must be dried out regularly.
- Use ventilation fans at least 30 minutes after showering or bathing to ensure that your bathroom is dry and that mold growth is prevented.
Educate your family and loved ones
- Tell your friends, family and loved ones to check their homes for mold especially if they are showing symptoms of prolonged mold exposure.
- Help the elderly or those with health conditions and compromised immune systems as they are more susceptible to the health effects of mold.
Call a trusted mold remediation professional
Contact the professionals at ServiceMaster of the Upstate to remove mold growth from your property. We have the training, experience and equipment to safely treat and kill mold to restore your health and property as soon as possible.
Make an Appointment for Mold Removal in Greenville, South Carolina
ServiceMaster of the Upstate is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to immediately address your mold damage emergency. We service commercial properties in Greenville, Saluda, Spartanburg, Newberry, and Laurens, South Carolina, and surrounding areas.
- We are an IICRC-certified firm and a Preferred Vendor for insurance companies in South Carolina.
- We offer a FREE inspection and estimate.
- Call us at (864) 310-7891 to schedule an appointment for mold remediation service.
- You may also message us online through our contact form.
- Our office is located at 170 Old Airport Road, Roebuck, South Carolina 29376.
